March in Crete sees lots of spring flowers bursting into bloom. These beautiful wild narcissus just capture the season of spring with their freshness and vibrancy.
The temperature is warming up too with many bright and sunny clear days. With olive picking behind them the Cretans are now turning their efforts to getting ready to welcome the many visitors to Crete.
'Kathara Deftera' or Clean Monday, which falls on the 2nd of March in 2009, marks the end of Apokries or carnival time and the beginning of Lent.
Fasting begins on this day where traditionally no meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, olive oil or wine are allowed to be consumed for the 40 days leading up to Easter.
Clean Monday is a Bank Holiday in Greece and heralds the beginning of spring. Many families enjoy this day by taking Lenten picnics to the mountains or the beach. The foods consumed on this day contain ‘no blood’. Instead salads, fresh and pickled vegetables, shellfish, octopus, squid and bread are enjoyed. A delicious sweet of Halva is also consumed. It is traditional to fly kites on this day.
Visit our sister site of Completely Crete for lots more information about the beautiful Greek Island of Crete.